4 Common Pitfalls To Avoid As An Aspiring Author

Author.

I’ve traveled by road many times, and I’m always amazed at how drivers instinctively know the way. What fascinates me is that they do this without GPS, yet we always arrive at our destination on time and in one piece. When there’s heavy traffic, I’ve watched drivers navigate unmarked roads, weave through streets and villages, and still manage to get ahead of the jam.

On a recent trip, I decided to pay closer attention to the road, hoping to note landmarks that would help me retrace the route if I ever needed to drive it myself. It didn’t take long for me to give up—the roads all looked the same to me, with no significant landmarks to differentiate one turn from another. This experience gave me a renewed appreciation for drivers and the depth of knowledge they’ve gained over the years.

Their understanding of geography, combined with a sharp eye for detail, ensures that their passengers remain safe throughout the journey. If their vehicle happens to break down, they’re often able to diagnose the problem and perform basic repairs on the spot, only calling a mechanic for more complex issues. I believe it’s this wealth of experience that keeps people coming back to them. Whenever I’ve had to travel long distances, I always feel safe and at ease because I trust that the driver knows exactly what he’s doing. In short, their profession perfectly embodies a popular saying where I’m from: “Follow who know road.”

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“Follow who know road” is a wise reminder to seek guidance from those with experience in the path you’re pursuing. Experienced individuals can serve as effective guides because they’ve already navigated the journey and can help you reach your destination faster. In simpler terms, “follow who know road” means seeking the advice of those who understand the common pitfalls that aspiring authors often encounter when publishing their books. And who better to help you identify and avoid these pitfalls than TEBEBA? Here are some of the pitfalls to watch out for

1. Not hiring professional editors: Remember the last time you cooked beans? You meticulously checked for stones and, confident that it was clean, you started cooking. But when you finally sat down to eat, a few bites in, you crunched down on a stone you somehow missed. This is similar to self-editing. While you can revise and polish your writing, your emotional attachment and familiarity with the work often cause you to overlook errors. That’s where a professional editor comes in. An editor is trained to review your manuscript with a fresh set of eyes, ensuring it is clear, concise, and engaging. Depending on the type of editing you need, they can assess everything from the overall structure down to individual sentences. Their lack of attachment to your work allows them to bring fresh perspectives and catch mistakes you might miss. This doesn’t mean you should skip self-editing—it’s an important first step—but a professional editor will thoroughly examine your work, make corrections, and suggest improvements that elevate your manuscript to the next level.

2. Rushing the revision process: Just as fine wine improves with age, allowing its flavors to mature and harmonize, your manuscript can benefit from the passage of time. Like a winemaker who sets aside their wine to age, you should resist the urge to jump into revisions immediately. Instead, let your first draft sit for a while. As your manuscript “ages,” your mind clears, and you gain the objectivity needed to approach your work with fresh eyes. Your ideas and characters have time to mature, allowing the plot to unfold more naturally.Just as good wine requires patience, a great manuscript needs time to breathe. Giving it time to rest allows you to make objective revisions and gain a clearer understanding of your story. You’ll be able to identify areas that need improvement, ultimately enhancing the structure and quality of your work. In the same way that perfectly aged wine delights the senses, a well-revised manuscript can be a joy to read. So, don’t rush the process. Let your manuscript age, and you’ll be rewarded with a richer, more complex, and more satisfying story.

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3. Not knowing your target audience: Your target audience is the specific group of people your writing is intended for—those who are both able and willing to purchase your book. Writing without a clear picture of your target audience can lead to a misguided piece that might not resonate with anyone. You could end up using a tone or voice that doesn’t align with your reader’s expectations. When it comes time to publish, not knowing your audience can hurt your marketing efforts, leading to poor sales and reception. As an author, it’s crucial to understand your target audience. I’ve discussed this in more detail in one of my blog posts.

4. Lack of patience and persistence: As an aspiring author, patience and persistence are essential traits you must embrace. They are key to achieving any level of success in your writing journey. Writing is not something that happens overnight—it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Along the way, you’ll face numerous challenges as you work to bring your dream book to life. Without patience and persistence, you risk abandoning your project halfway and giving up on your dreams. Even after your book is written and published, you’ll encounter criticisms and rejection. Building an audience and marketing your book takes continuous effort. The process can be complex and overwhelming, tempting you to consider giving up. This is where patience and persistence become invaluable. They will help you navigate these challenges and come out stronger. By holding onto these traits, you’ll be able to create a masterpiece that truly resonates with your audience.

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What other common pitfalls have you encountered? How did you avoid them? Share your experiences with us in the comments below.

I’m rooting for you on your journey to becoming.

Until next time!